Missouri § 304.271 - Observance of traffic-control devices — presumptions — penalty.
Full text of Missouri Revised Statutes of Missouri § 304.271 — Observance of traffic-control devices — presumptions — penalty., with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 304.271. Observance of traffic-control devices — presumptions — penalty.
1. The driver of any vehicle shall obey the instructions of any official traffic-control device applicable thereto placed in accordance with the provisions of the law, unless otherwise directed by a traffic or police officer, subject to the exceptions granted the driver of an authorized emergency vehicle in the law.
2. No provision of the law for which official traffic-control devices are required shall be enforced against an alleged violator if at the time and place of the alleged violation an official device is not in proper position and sufficiently legible to be seen by an ordinarily observant person. Whenever a particular section does not state that official traffic-control devices are required, such section shall be effective even though no devices are erected or in place.
3. Whenever official traffic-control devices are placed in position approximately conforming to the requirements of the law, such devices shall be presumed to have been so placed by the official act or direction of lawful authority, unless the contrary shall be established by competent evidence.
4. Any official traffic-control device placed pursuant to the provisions of the law and purporting to conform to the lawful requirements pertaining to such devices shall be presumed to comply with the requirements of this chapter, unless the contrary shall be established by competent evidence.
5. Notwithstanding the provisions of section 304.361, violation of this section is a class C misdemeanor.
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(L. 1969 S.B. 180 § 1, A.L. 1996 H.B. 1047)
---- end of effective 28 Aug 1996 ----
Source: official Missouri text · Last verified 2026-08-27
Frequently Asked Questions About Missouri § 304.271
What does Revised Statutes of Missouri § 304.271 cover?
Section 304.271 ("Observance of traffic-control devices — presumptions — penalty.") is part of the Revised Statutes of Missouri, the codified statutory law of Missouri. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.
How do I cite Missouri § 304.271?
A common citation format is "Revised Statutes of Missouri § 304.271" (Missouri). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.
Is this the official text of Missouri law?
No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the Missouri official source linked on this page or consult a licensed Missouri attorney.
How does Missouri § 304.271 apply to my situation?
Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in Missouri can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.
Sources & Verification
Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in Missouri.